Copy Collection templates from one theme to another

Store Design
, ,

Topic summary

A user needs to migrate 75-100 collection templates used for sub-collections from one Shopify theme to another and seeks an efficient method.

Proposed Solution:

  • Duplicate the current theme as a backup before making changes
  • Download the original theme files (.zip) via Actions → Download theme file
  • Access both themes’ code editors and locate collection templates (collection.*.liquid files)

Key Migration Steps:

  • Copy entire template files to avoid mismatches
  • Check the Snippets folder for any included dependencies (e.g., collection-filters.liquid)
  • Review config/settings_schema.json for custom settings that templates may rely on
  • Upload the modified theme to the target store
  • Manually assign the migrated templates to each collection via Products → Collections → Theme template

Status: The discussion provides a step-by-step manual process, though it acknowledges this approach is time-consuming. Testing on a development store is recommended to catch version conflicts.

Summarized with AI on October 31. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

I have 75-100 collection templates that I would like to migrate over from one theme to another. These are used to make sub-collections. How can I easily move all of these over?

1 Like
2

Hi @HTX-Fluid-Power

Here’s how you can do it, I think it is the fastest way to do, however, it still take sometime:

  1. Duplicate Your Theme

Before messing with anything, make a backup. Head to Shopify Admin → Online Store → Themes → Click “Duplicate” on your current theme. This gives you a playground where nothing explodes.

Download the Theme Files

In your original theme, go to Actions → “Download theme file” and check your email for the .zip (should arrive in about two minutes).

Rename it something like ThemeName_BACKUP_YYYYMMDD.zip so you don’t mix up versions later.

Code Surgery: Moving the Templates

Open both themes’ code editors: Online Store → Themes → Actions → Edit Code

Navigate to Templates and look for collection.*.liquid (such as collection.liquid, collection.list.liquid, etc.)

How to move them:

  • Copy the entire template files first. Partial migrations cause weird mismatches.
  • Check the Snippets folder for any includes (like {{ ‘collection-filters.liquid’ | render }}). You’ll need to move those too.
  • Look at config/settings_schema.json – if your templates rely on custom settings, bring them over as well.

Upload the New Theme

In the target store: Online Store → Themes → “Add theme” → Upload zip

If the new theme has major updates, expect some version conflicts. If possible, test on a development store first.

Template Matchmaking

Once the theme is live, make sure your collections are actually using the right templates.

Go to Products → Collections
Open each collection
Under “Theme template”, select your migrated template. If it’s missing, double-check your .liquid files.

I hope this helps

Best,

Daisy